Wake up in Lancaster County

"Wake up in Lancaster County" is the tag line of the Lancaster Tourism website. And, that is exactly what we did over the July 4th weekend. Yes, we visited the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Now, first order of business is to clarify common misconception about the word "Dutch". Dutch in this context means German or Deutsch, and it refers to the descendants of German immigrants who came over to Pennsylvania before the 18th Century. So, it has nothing to do with windmills, milkmaids and wooden clogs.

Lancaster County is the perfect example of how modern lifestyle could co-exist with the minimalist i.e. Amish way of life. It is possible to give up our worldly luxuries and still survive, but not many would do that. I think it is difficult to live like an Amish if you're not born one.

Buggies everywhere. One of the most unique sights around Lancaster County. One horse buggy cost around 6K these days. Just like our car, it is also custom-fitted to meet the needs of the buyer.

We are told by our guide that an Amish woman probably has 3-4 outfits throughout their lives. Single women wear white caps while married women wear black caps. Their hair is center parted and pulled tightly into a bun. Amish men and women also do not wear jewelry, wedding ring included. Buttons are only permitted for single women. Married women use pins to hold their aprons and dress together. Ouch!

Amish boys are into roller-blades! Interesting to know that their shirts have no pockets.

Widowed Amish women wore black for a year after the death of their husbands. You could tell that there's no such thing as the Macy's One-Day, Weekly, Mid-Year and Year-End sales for them!

Amish ladies are good with their hands; from baking to sewing. They make the most beautiful quilts. The Amish Bible is in German. When they die, their bodies must be embalmed and their coffin - plain and simple, no adornments and intricate designs.

Farming is their way of life. Is that an Amish cigar?!

Amish children go to a typical one room school and their education ends at Grade 8. Between 16-18 years old, they are allowed to experience our "world", a phase they refer to as rumspringer.

What's unique in Lancaster County? Covered bridges and shoo-fly pie!

What if Mary & Joseph were Amish? We found an artist's interpretation while exploring Lancaster. Also, we came across an old gas pump in the village of Intercourse. Haven't seen one of these in a while :)

While we were driving around the country side, we chanced upon a yard sale. Bought some jams and Chow Chow from an Amish family. The jam was exceptional! I regretted not buying more. This will be an excuse to come back. After all, it's only 2 hours from New Jersey.

Coming up: Stradsburg Rail Road..Choo-choo!